‘Vitamin D deficiency taking shape of epidemic’

New Delhi: Around 88 per cent of the Delhi-NCR population surveyed suffered from Vitamin D deficiency which causes chronic muscle pain, spasms, low energy levels, depression etc, according to a recent report. 

However, the bigger concern is that the population at large is not even aware of Vitamin D deficiency and its consequences.

A data analysis of people between the age group of 21 and 65 years from October 2017 to March 2018 showed insufficient Vitamin D presence.

The age group of 21-35 years showed maximum insufficiency, according to the survey conducted by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). 

The report said that eight out of ten people suffered from the deficiency. Around 55 per cent of survey respondent were under the age bracket of 20-29 years, followed by 30-39 years (26 per cent), 40-49 years (16 per cent), 50-60 years (approximately 2 per cent) and 60-80 years (1 per cent approximately). 

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone mineralization, leading to bone softening diseases as rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults.

Vitamin D deficiency can be easily corrected by Vitamin D supplementation or some lifestyle changes, said Dr H K Chopra, co-chairman of ASSOCHAM Healthcare Council.

Dr Chopra further said, insufficiency or non-exposure to sunlight, staying in air-conditioned rooms for long hours during the day could be the prime reason behind the deficiency.

Low vitamin D levels are widely known to harm bones, leading them to become thin, brittle, soft or misshapen.

It is also to be noted here that Vitamin D is equally important for heart, brain, immune function and much more. Foods high in Vitamin D are fish, beef liver, egg yolks.